Job Title: Volunteer Services Assistant 

Status: Part-time, Hybrid 

Location: Currently located in Downsview Park (North York) with plans to move to the Rouge National Urban Park (Scarborough)                          

Compensation: Hourly rate of $18 - $20, commensurate with experience 

Job Summary

The Volunteer Department Assistant is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day organizing, coordinating and development of the Volunteer Department as well as liaising with other TWC departments and external organizations as needed. This position requires a strong administrative background, multitasking, and the ability to prioritize and communicate well in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures a positive, professional, and safe working environment at all times, with a focus on both human and animal safety

• Continually works towards furthering the mission of Toronto Wildlife Centre; building a healthy community for people and wildlife

• Assists the Volunteer coordinator; including but not limited to, onboarding, evaluation, training materials, protocols, recognition and retention

• Creates, maintains, and updates volunteer records and schedules

• Assists with creating, updating and expanding new and existing volunteer positions and programs

• Continuous improvement of volunteer retention through regular communication, relationship building across teams, recognition, conflict resolution, and other means

• Responsible for addressing immediate volunteer needs in person or via phone and email

• Assists at volunteer events, other properties and off-site work related to volunteer programs

• Assists with setting of the Volunteer Department goals and operational planning

• Assist in coordinating tasks and schedules for the volunteers within the volunteer department

• Actively participates in continuing education, TWC’s internal training, and stays current in the field of volunteer management.

• Other responsibilities as related to the Volunteer Department

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary diploma or certification in volunteer management, administration, or a related field preferred)

• CVA accreditation considered an asset

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an administrative role in a fast-paced environment

• Experience in volunteer supervision considered an asset

• Experience coordinating or supporting a large, diverse volunteer program considered an asset

• Proficiency with CRMs such as Better Impact is an asset

• Familiarity with design software (e.g., Canva) is an asset

• Experience using project management tools and online training platforms is an asset

• Access to a reliable vehicle preferred, as occasional travel to our East location and foster program sites is required

Competencies:

• Passion for Toronto Wildlife Centre’s mission with a genuine concern for and understanding of wildlife/environmental issues and the sensitive needs of working with wild patients

• Strong interpersonal skills; capable of working collaboratively within a team and across departments as needed

• Ability to professionally represent and support TWC’s goals, beliefs and policies to volunteers, the TWC team and others as needed

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workplace, and databases

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely 

• Understanding of the unique role played by volunteers

• Proven ability to multi-task in a busy environment, to work well under pressure, and to prioritize competing tasks while meeting time-sensitive demands

• Professional, highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Efficient at working effectively under tight deadlines, with competing priorities, within a fast-paced environment

• Flexible and adaptable to a changing and dynamic work environment

Physical Requirements:

• Requires the ability to spend extended periods sitting and using a computer keyboard

• Required to walk on concrete floors in the building and uneven ground outdoors occasionally

Working Conditions 

• Fast-paced office/hospital environment, with equipment noise and the possibility of frequent interruptions 

• This position requires working near materials and animals that may trigger allergic reactions

• Open office environment, with equipment noise and the possibility of frequent interruption 

• Hours may fluctuate depending on job demands (some evening and weekend work may be required)

• Some off-site work will be required